Charger EV presents true back-up open dilemma

Back-up open

We managed to miss the Dodge Charger electric vehicle (EV) when we updated back-up open and start processes for 2024 and 2025 Dodge vehicles. But when we chased down drive by brake after reading about a problem Edmunds had with the car, we realized we missed a confounding issue with getting into the car if the battery in the key fob or the start battery itself dies.

It’s most likely that you can’t!

The car frameless glass doors and includes a smart drop feature that ensures the glass lowers slightly when the door is opened. This prevents the glass edge from making contact with the metal retainer that attaches the door seal to the vehicle, and requires that the vehicle has power.

And as near as we can tell, it requires that the key fob has power as well.

There is an emergency mechanical key and instructions for unlatching, not unlocking, the drivers door when the vehicle has lost power, which is intended for use if the window is at least partially down.

To unlatch the driver door manually, a small cover near the back of the handle must be removed to reveal a latch release (right). It looks like a key cylinder, there again is no indication that this is a lock cylinder.

The first use of the emergency key is to pry off the cover. Slip the key in behind the cover to pry it off by pulling outward. Then insert the emergency key into the latch release and turn it toward the rear. This will unlatch the door, allowing access to the vehicle.

We have not been able to verify that opening the car this way when only the fob battery is dead will activate the smart drop feature to keep from damaging the glass.

Thus, if the key fob does not work and the driver’s door window is up, which is likely, we have to recommend replacing the fob’s battery before doing anything else.

We will update this post and the Dodge back-up open page, here, if and when we learn more.

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The material on these pages is provided for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.

Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.

Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.

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